No one should be made to feel lesser than because they speak their mother language. Globally, 40 per cent of the population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in multilingual education with a growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more attention is being given to its development in public life.

Languages are essential to education and sustainable development, serving as the primary means through which knowledge is transferred and cultures are preserved. With approximately 8,324 languages in the world today, many are at risk of disappearing due to globalisation and societal changes. When languages fade, so does the world’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Additionally, opportunities, traditions, memories, unique modes of thinking, expression, and valuable resources are also lost. Much more needs to be done to ensure that education systems support the right to learn in one’s mother tongue.

Undoubtedly, this is crucial for improving learning outcomes, as students who are taught in a language they fully understand show better comprehension, engagement, and critical thinking skills. Multilingual education, particularly for minority and indigenous languages, not only helps learners but also fosters a deeper connection between education and culture, contributing to more inclusive and equitable societies. International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21. The day is set aside to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Indigenous Women and Language Discrimination

Regardless of the society, there is always a strand of patriarchy which supports male privilege. As cultural vanguards and family leaders, women are responsible for passing down traditions, songs, and oral histories. However, persistent gender inequality and systemic exclusion from decision-making processes obstruct their contributions to safeguarding linguistic heritage.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), language is inherently tied to cultural practices. Indigenous women are central to preserving and passing on languages, and often serve as the first teachers of their communities. Yet discrimination, migration, globalisation, and assimilation pressures make maintaining linguistic traditions challenging. Unquestionably, indigenous languages, which are vital carriers of heritage, identity, and worldview, face extinction. The structural inequalities faced by women globally needs to be interrogated in order to arrive at meaningful solutions to incorporate the transformative potential of women in preserving endangered languages.

Caribbean and Indigenous Languages

Globally, education systems oftentimes take a discriminatory approach regarding instructional offerings to students. Native languages are viewed as unintelligible and shunned in public spaces. This myopic view stifles the creativity and linguistic expression of many students as it serves as a barrier to communication. The distinction of who speaks what language is frequently used as a means of social stratification.

Unfortunately, this has become normalised in many, if not all, societies. This division also runs counter to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In Jamaica, patois is seen as the language of the black masses. Yet despite rigorous scholastic discourse the education system has not embraced this native tongue.

Without a doubt Caribbean governments need to invest more in preserving their indigenous languages. Language is both an agent of change and transformative tool for sustainable development and inclusivity.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com.